how long will an electric heating element last iin a water heater if i turned the unit on before it was filled
Answers:
These elements are not designed to operate without water surrounding them. You may have damaged the unit but if the heater is working you have lucked out. It may have damaged the element and shortened it's life so keep an eye on the heater. If you have shut the heater down and have not filled it you can pull the element(s) and visually inspect them. They should be smooth and straight (not warped). If there is no apparent damage consider yourself lucky.
Other answers:
not good,,if it is working, you are lucky! usually the cold water breaks the hot element wham,,,may last along time,,no way to really tell
not good,,if it is working, you are lucky! usually the cold water breaks the hot element wham,,,may last along time,,no way to really tell
It could last as much as 60 seconds. If you did turn the heater on before the unit was filled with water, then you do need to get it checked. Your water heater probably operates on 240 volts. DANGER. Electricity can Kill you if you do not know about proper touble shooting. Call your local plumber/electrician.